Summoning America

Chapter 20: The Fall of Leifor

"Yeah," Lee sighed. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Okay dear," she said.

Lee got up and walked toward the beach — away from the other partygoers — to privately discuss the new situation. "So," he spoke into his phone, the sound of waves crashing echoing in the background. "The Gra Valkas Empire, huh? Strange how two nations have been summoned already: ours and theirs. Are there any more?"

"To our knowledge," Steven said over the phone, "Not yet. The captured spies have been quite helpful in accidentally revealing information; they're quite arrogant and boast about their technological prowess. We know that the Gra Valkas Empire, which is the large continental territory with the large quantities of atmospheric pollutants, is from a planet known as Yggdra. There, they were the premier superpower. It seems that conquest was the name of their game, and they have applied the same concepts from Yggdra to Elysia, subjugating nearby primitive nations and even challenging a local superpower, one known as Leifor."

"Must have been a grueling war," Lee said.

"On the contrary, Mister President. The Leiforians surrendered after a ship quite similar to a Yamato-class battleship bombarded their capital. Our local intelligence in the region is lacking, but we can see the Gra Valkan flag being raised in numerous Leiforian regions. This news is also corroborated by reports from our Mu associates in Esthirant. Smaller bombardments and bombing runs have been reported, likely due to resistance groups."

"That sounds... unsettling. What else do we know about this faction?"

"Aside from the general level of their technology and economy, we know that they may have rules of war. According to the captured spies, the Gra Valkas Empire was a signatory to numerous international treaties, but their actions in Leifor suggest that they have abandoned any agreements made in Yggdra. We should be able to find out more information as the Gra Valkas campaign progresses."

President Lee kicked some sand as he sighed. "So much pain in this world... We oughta let them know that we won't take kindly to such barbarous and savage crimes. That reminds me, how are the contact procedures coming along?"

"Still working on it, sir. Foreign Affairs is a bit wary about establishing contact with an aggressive nation like Gra Valkas. They are considering radio as an alternative means of official first contact and are currently drafting up plans and scenarios."

"Alright, that's good. Damn, crazy how a local superpower fell in a day."

"Sure is, sir."

"Well, I've gotta go get back to my wife. Oh wait, how are the kids doing?"

"They're still enjoying the magic show, sir."

President Lee smiled. "Good. Now make sure they don't sleep too late. Keep me updated."

"I will, sir."

——

Holy Milishial Empire
A Certain Bar in Cartalpas

Located along the southern coasts of the Holy Milishial Empire, Cartalpas was an important trade hub. Positioned almost literally in the center of the world (as far as the denizens of the Central Continents are concerned) and in a densely populated strait, Cartalpas is also a center of culture and information. The skyline of the city reflected this, with bright skyscrapers stretching to the sky. Magical lights illuminated the streets in a number and elegance fitting for what is currently regarded as the greatest superpower in Elysia.

In all of Cartalpas, one bar in particular was quite popular among the merchant and corporate communities. Agents from large companies and traveling merchants settled in this bar whenever they were in town, for this bar was also frequented by the most knowledgeable and talkative of men. A mere whisper uttered in this bar could send companies tumbling and markets crashing, or provide an insight that could lead to innumerable wealth.